Tom Ball has kindly donated an article for my Harmonica Academy library, entitled "Microphones and the Acoustic Harmonica - Getting a Good Stage and Studio Sound"

Tom is a West Coast based harmonica master, half of the Tom Ball Kenny Sultan duo, and author of many instruction books, including the excellent "Sourcebook of Little Walter / Big Walter Licks for Blues Harmonica"

"The Internet seems to be full of articles and advice for the amplified harp player, but there is a real dearth of information on micing the acoustic harmonica. In this column I'd like to pass along a few tips and tricks I learned the hard way, in hopes of making things a bit easier for other acoustic players..."

A great article - very useful info. Getting good acoustic tone through a PA can be challenging at first - especially if you don't have control over the sound board. Shameless self-promotion plug: My new Ultimate Mics make GREAT acoustic mics, whether mic-standed or hand held. If you sing and play through the same mic, the built in volume control can really be handy.